**EFCC Cracks Down on Vote Buying, Electoral Crimes in FCT Area Council Elections** The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made a significant move to curb electoral malpractices in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by arresting 20 suspects for various electoral offences during the just-concluded area council elections. The suspects, who were involved in vote buying and selling, obstruction of electoral officers, and other electoral crimes, were arrested across the six area councils of the FCT. The arrest, which was announced by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, was a major blow to those who attempted to undermine the integrity of the election. The suspects involved in vote buying alone had amassed over N17 million, a staggering amount that highlights the gravity of the crime. Five of the suspects were arrested in Kwali, including one who was caught with N13.5 million in a car parked beside a polling booth. Other arrests were made in Abaji, Gwagwalada, and Kuje. The FCT area council elections, which were conducted across the six councils of the FCT, were generally peaceful, according to Yiaga Africa, an election monitoring group. However, the group raised concerns about low voter turnout, logistical challenges, and isolated cases of vote buying. The heavy security presence across the capital city did not prevent these incidents, which highlights the need for more stringent measures to prevent electoral malpractices. The EFCC's action sends a strong message that electoral crimes will not be tolerated in Nigeria. The suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations, and if found guilty, they will face the full weight of the law. This move is a step in the right direction towards ensuring the integrity of our electoral process and promoting a level playing field for all political parties. In the end, the APC secured victory in five of the six area councils, while the PDP won in Gwagwalada. The election may be over, but the EFCC's action is a reminder that electoral crimes are a continuous threat to our democracy, and we must remain vigilant to prevent them.